Infrastructure growth lifts forklift demand

Chinese manufacturers are keen to localise production in Africa to reduce costs as the market for forklift trucks expands on the back of an infrastructure boom

Infrastructure projects are poised to drive demand for forklifts across Africa by around 4-5% per annum over the next five years, new research suggests. Forklift shipments to the African market in 2024 reached 21,082 units, based on Interact Analysis’ Global Forklift Market report.

Driving demand, it noted, was a surge in new infrastructure projects, particularly in North Africa as well as the Middle East. The research cited Egypt and Saudi Arabia as two thriving markets, though Morocco too is experiencing an infrastructure bonanza as it gears up for the 2030 FIFA World Cup.

Maya Xiao, research manager at Interact Analysis, says the global forklift market is experiencing notable shifts in 2025, influenced by varying regional growth patterns, ongoing changes in electrification adoption and the implementation of US tariff policies.

The continued international expansion efforts of Chinese companies is also notable, Xiao adds. Chinese vendors appear to have accelerated localised production capacity to get closer to markets and for improved cost efficiencies. The report cites cost reductions of around 15%. With China’s own massive domestic forklift market of around 800,000 units annually now firmly in a replacement-driven plateau phase, Africa also presents a dynamic growth opportunity.

China targets African market

Chinese manufacturers in particular are shifting their global focus and reducing reliance on direct investment in the US market, which is affected by tariffs, while increasing investment into other regions, including Europe and southeast Asia. This increased investment involves establishing localised manufacturing, enhancing service capabilities and acquiring technology.

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